Understanding Childhood Eczema

As many parents know, eczema amongst children can be a difficult,painful and frustrating condition to cope with for the parent andthe child.

It frequently causes irritable behaviour in the child and sleepdisruption. This can result in parenting difficulties, and may evenplace the child at increased risk of behavioural and emotionalproblems.

In addition to covering the medical aspects of the condition,Understanding Childhood Eczema focuses on the psychologicalconsequences and how they can be managed, as well as psychologicalfactors in treatment.

Revealing the advantages and drawbacks of conventional therapies,this easy-to-follow guide explains all aspects of childhood eczemain an accessible manner to help you and your child cope with thisdistressing condition.


Penny Titman is an experienced clinical child psychologist who hasextensive experience in working with children and families withchronic health problems. She has completed a PhD on thepsychological impact of skin conditions on children and theirfamilies which included a study of childhood eczema on the family.

About the author vii

Acknowledgements ix

1 What is eczema? 1

2 What is the best treatment for eczema? 9

3 The impact of eczema on your child and on the family 29

4 Understanding and managing scratching 43

5 Understanding and managing sleep problems 59

6 Understanding and managing diet for your child with eczema 71

7 Managing teasing and improving your child’s self-esteem 79

8 Growing up with eczema 91

Useful addresses and contacts 99

Recommended further reading 103

Index 105

"?A good book to but?" (Familyonwards.com, 27 March 2003)

"?helping to identify the issues involved with eczemasensitively and accurately?a book that will undoubtedly become afirst point of call for any parent caring for a child who haseczema?" (Junior, June 2003)

"?very helpful for parents with an atopic child?" (Intl. Jnl. OfAdolescent Health, Vol.15, No.2, 2003)

"?5 stars?invaluable for any family that has a child witheczema?" (Youthinmind.com, 4 Juluy 2003)

"?a very helpful and useful book?very good value for money andhighly readable?" (Quarterly Jnl of the National Eczema Society,June 2003)

"?a clear easy-to-read style?can only be a benefit to any housewhere eczema is an issue?" (Marshwood Vale Magazine, July 2003)

"An invaluable resource for any family with a child who haseczema." (Here?s Health, September 2003)

Penny Titman is an experienced clinical child psychologist who hasextensive experience in working with children and families withchronic health problems. She has completed a PhD on the psychological impact of skin conditions on children and theirfamilies which included a study of childhood eczema on the family.

'Sometimes I think I can't bear it, I can't do it, but I do because I have no choice. Who else is going to do it?'

Although eczema is a common childhood complaint, it can be an emotional, painful and frustrating condition to cope with for the family, as well as the child. Understanding Childhood Eczema tackles these difficulties with sympathy and understanding, showing you how to deal with tantrums, sleep problems, scratching, teasing, and lots more.

Packed full of practical advice for choosing and managing different treatments, Penny Titman also talks about how having a child with eczema can affect other family members. Am I spoiling my child because of the eczema? What about the other children? Am I neglecting my partner or myself?

Lots of people will offer you advice when your child has eczema. Understanding Childhood Eczema will help you decide what is best for your child, your family and you.